• First Financial Northwest, Inc. Reports Net Income of $3.9 million or $0.43 per Diluted Share for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2022

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 27 Oct 2022 09:10:01   America/New_York

    RENTON, Wash., Oct. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Financial Northwest, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ GS: FFNW), the holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, of $3.9 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to $2.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and $3.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net income was $10.0 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, compared to net income of $9.5 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, for the comparable nine-month period in 2021.

    “I am pleased with continued expansion of our net interest margin to 3.65% in the quarter, compared to 3.53% in the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and 3.33% in the quarter ended September 30, 2021,” noted Joseph W. Kiley III, President and CEO. “While our cost of funds is coming under pressure like many of our peers, our efforts in recent years to increase the balance of variable rate assets and to lock in a portion of our funding costs with $95 million of pay-fixed/receive floating interest rate swaps helped to enhance our net interest margin and partially offset the adverse impact of rising interest rates on our comprehensive income from decreases in the market value of our available-for-sale investment portfolio. While many institutions have seen material, double-digit percentage declines in their book value per share in 2022, I am pleased to report that our book value per share is unchanged at September 30, 2022, from its value of $17.30 at December 31, 2021,” continued Kiley.

    “As a result of our quarterly analysis of our loan portfolio, we downgraded to substandard a $6.2 million loan where we are a participant lender. This loan is secured by a senior housing/assisted living facility that was previously downgraded to special mention in the quarter ended March 31, 2022. We analyzed this loan for impairment and concluded that no losses are anticipated, resulting in a recapture of provision for loan losses previously allocated to this loan. Changes in the mix of our loan portfolio also impacted the allowance for loan and lease losses, with growth in consumer, construction and land development, and one-to-four family residential loans impacting the analysis. This loan growth partially offset the recapture from the substandard loan downgrade, resulting in a $400,000 recapture of provision for loan losses for the quarter, compared to no provision for loan losses in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,” concluded Kiley.

    Highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2022:

    • Net loans receivable increased by $23.6 million to $1.14 billion at September 30, 2022, as continued strength in one-to-four family lending and an increase in construction/land lending helped outpace loan repayments in the quarter.
    • The Company’s book value per share increased to $17.30 at September 30, 2022, compared to $17.26 at June 30, 2022, and $17.03 at September 30, 2021.
    • The Company repurchased 27,270 shares in the quarter at an average price of $15.46 per share under its board-authorized stock repurchase plan that expired on September 16, 2022.
    • The Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase plan authorizing the repurchase of up to 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, or approximately 456,000 shares, which will commence on or about October 31, 2022, and expire no later than March 17, 2023.
    • The Company paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share to shareholders.
    • The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage and total capital ratios at September 30, 2022, were 10.4% and 15.5%, respectively, compared to 10.5% and 15.5%, respectively, at June 30, 2022, and 10.2% and 15.5%, respectively at September 30, 2021.
    • Credit quality remains strong as nonperforming assets remained low at $232,000, or 0.02% of total assets, and $406,000 in past due loans represented just 0.04% of total loans receivable.
    • Based on management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), the Bank recognized a recapture of provision for loan losses of $400,000 for the quarter.

    Deposits totaled $1.15 billion at September 30, 2022, compared to $1.18 billion at June 30, 2022, and $1.14 billion at September 30, 2021. The $30.0 million decline in total deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, reflects decreases across nearly all deposit categories, particularly money market and interest-bearing demand deposits, partially offset by an increase in brokered deposits. Management continues to consider multiple alternatives to increase deposits to fund its anticipated asset growth in addition to its efforts through its branch network, including wholesale markets, brokered deposits, and the national deposit market.

    The following table presents a breakdown of our total deposits (unaudited):

     Sep 30,
    2022
     Jun 30,
    2022
     Sep 30,
    2021
     Three
    Month
    Change
     One
    Year
    Change
    Deposits:(Dollars in thousands)
    Noninterest-bearing demand$118,842 $127,808 $115,311 $(8,966) $3,531 
    Interest-bearing demand 95,767  107,478  104,761  (11,711)  (8,994)
    Savings 24,625  23,525  23,024  1,100   1,601 
    Money market 572,137  596,515  596,911  (24,378)  (24,774)
    Certificates of deposit, retail 268,528  270,866  301,729  (2,338)  (33,201)
    Brokered deposits 69,537  53,277    16,260   69,537 
    Total deposits$1,149,436 $1,179,469 $1,141,736 $(30,033) $7,700 


    The following tables present an analysis of total deposits by branch office (unaudited):

    September 30, 2022
     Noninterest-bearing demandInterest-bearing demandSavingsMoney marketCertificates of deposit, retailBrokered depositsTotal
     (Dollars in thousands)
    King County       
    Renton$36,797$43,129$16,483$301,912$209,504$-$607,825
    Landing 4,345 2,586 155 20,301 4,089 - 31,476
    Woodinville 3,033 3,714 1,208 19,514 9,799 - 37,268
    Bothell 3,287 1,045 54 7,307 1,694 - 13,387
    Crossroads 13,047 4,225 49 38,668 9,228 - 65,217
    Kent 6,323 13,945 4 19,843 1,499 - 41,614
    Kirkland 9,101 365 42 7,297 25 - 16,830
    Issaquah 3,396 1,480 60 3,037 2,295 - 10,268
    Total King County 79,329 70,489 18,055 417,879 238,133 - 823,885
    Snohomish County       
    Mill Creek 7,153 2,727 904 23,527 5,626 - 39,937
    Edmonds 16,209 6,284 901 34,719 8,935 - 67,048
    Clearview 5,143 5,957 1,662 26,923 2,873 - 42,558
    Lake Stevens 4,977 5,233 1,471 40,297 4,975 - 56,953
    Smokey Point 3,430 4,452 1,422 23,527 7,066 - 39,897
    Total Snohomish County 36,912 24,653 6,360 148,993 29,475 - 246,393
    Pierce County       
    University Place 1,879 108 2 3,883 670 - 6,542
    Gig Harbor 722 517 208 1,382 250 - 3,079
    Total Pierce County 2,601 625 210 5,265 920 - 9,621
            
    Brokered deposits - - - - - 69,537 69,537
            
    Total deposits$118,842$95,767$24,625$572,137$268,528$69,537$
    1,149,436


    June 30, 2022
     Noninterest-bearing demandInterest-bearing demandSavingsMoney marketCertificates of deposit, retailBrokered depositsTotal
     (Dollars in thousands)
    King County       
    Renton$37,688$43,985$15,160$311,528$225,799$-$634,160
    Landing 4,925 2,504 178 21,802 2,988 - 32,397
    Woodinville 3,235 7,776 1,141 19,202 5,167 - 36,521
    Bothell 3,734 1,258 63 7,286 1,488 - 13,829
    Crossroads 16,004 4,930 356 52,277 5,896 - 79,463
    Kent 5,834 11,353 18 17,459 716 - 35,380
    Kirkland 9,332 319 22 7,299 25 - 16,997
    Issaquah 4,541 1,265 62 7,033 406 - 13,307
    Total King County 85,293 73,390 17,000 443,886 242,485 - 862,054
    Snohomish County       
    Mill Creek 6,290 3,445 837 21,716 6,082 - 38,370
    Edmonds 19,892 13,627 1,060 39,220 8,714 - 82,513
    Clearview 6,307 4,650 1,364 26,613 1,526 - 40,460
    Lake Stevens 4,631 7,241 1,554 34,406 5,018 - 52,850
    Smokey Point 3,252 4,501 1,581 24,917 6,735 - 40,986
    Total Snohomish County 40,372 33,464 6,396 146,872 28,075 - 255,179
    Pierce County       
    University Place 1,032 95 2 4,052 306 - 5,487
    Gig Harbor 1,111 529 127 1,705 - - 3,472
    Total Pierce County 2,143 624 129 5,757 306 - 8,959
            
    Brokered deposits - - - - - 53,277 53,277
            
    Total deposits$127,808$107,478$23,525$596,515$270,866$53,277$
    1,179,469

    Net loans receivable totaled $1.14 billion at September 30, 2022, compared to $1.12 billion at June 30, 2022, and $1.10 billion at September 30, 2021. During the quarter ended September 30, 2022, new originations of one-to-four family residential loans, construction/land and classic, collectible and other auto loans outpaced loan repayments in the quarter. The average balance of net loans receivable totaled $1.13 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1.12 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and $1.09 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

    The ALLL represented 1.27% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2022, compared to 1.33% at June 30, 2022, and 1.35% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2021.

    There was $232,000 in nonperforming loans at September 30, 2022, compared to none at June 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021. There was no other real estate owned (“OREO”) at September 30, 2022, June 30, 2022, or September 30, 2021.

    The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets (unaudited):

     Sep 30, Jun 30, Sep 30, Three
    Month
     One
    Year
     2022
     2022
     2021
     Change Change
     (Dollars in thousands)
    Nonperforming loans:         
    One-to-four family residential$39  $                      ─  $                     ─  $39 $39
    Consumer 193       193  193
    Total nonperforming loans 232       232  232
              
    OREO       
              
    Total nonperforming assets(1)$232  $                      ─  $                     ─  $232 $232
              
    Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets 0.02% 0.00% 0.00%    

    (1) The difference between nonperforming assets reported above, and the totals reported by other industry sources, is due to their inclusion of all Troubled Debt Restructured Loans ("TDRs") as nonperforming loans, although 100% of the Bank’s TDRs were performing in accordance with their restructured terms at September 30, 2022.

    The Company accounts for certain loan modifications or restructurings as TDRs. In general, the modification or restructuring of a debt is considered a TDR if, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. TDRs totaled $1.8 million at September 30, 2022, compared to $2.1 million at June 30, 2022, and $2.4 million at September 30, 2021. All TDRs were performing according to their modified repayment terms for the periods presented.

    Net interest income totaled $12.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $11.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and $11.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The increase in the current quarter compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, was primarily due to higher interest income on loans, including fees, and investment securities, partially offset by higher interest expense on deposits and other borrowings, primarily reflecting the increase in market interest rates due to the recent increases to the targeted federal funds rate and increased competition for deposits.

    Total interest income was $15.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $13.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and $13.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The increase in the current quarter compared to the prior quarters was primarily due to an improvement in the average loan yield to 4.77% from 4.41% and 4.54% for the quarters ended June 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, respectively, due in large part to recent increases in short term interest rates that increased our returns from LIBOR and Prime based variable rate loans and variable rate investment securities.

    Total interest expense was $2.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and $2.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 0.87% for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to 0.55% for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and 0.63% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The increase from the quarter ended June 30, 2022, was due primarily to increased interest expense on money market balances and the continued use of higher cost brokered deposits and wholesale sources to meet our funding needs. As of September 30, 2022, there were approximately $130.1 million in retail certificates of deposit at a weighted average interest rate of 1.52% maturing in the next 12 months, and an additional $104.6 million maturing in the subsequent 12 to 24 months, at a weighted average interest rate of 1.59%. Advances from the FHLB increased to $150.0 million at September 30, 2022, compared to $95.0 million at June 30, 2022, and $120.0 million at September 30, 2021, as these borrowings helped to partially fund our loan growth and the decline in total deposits. Currently, $95.0 million of our FHLB advances are tied to cash flow hedge agreements where the Bank pays a fixed rate and receives a variable rate in return to assist in the Bank’s interest rate risk management efforts. These cash flow hedge agreements have a weighted average remaining term of 50 months and a weighted average fixed interest rate of 1.05%. The average cost of borrowings was 1.48% for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to 1.21% for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and 1.42% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

    The net interest margin was 3.65% for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to 3.53% for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and 3.33% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The increase in the net interest margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, is due primarily to a 39-basis point improvement in the Company’s average yield on interest-earning assets during the quarter to 4.43% from 4.04%, partially offset by a 32-basis point increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 0.93% from 0.61%. The increase in net interest margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2021, was similarly due primarily to a 50-basis point increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets from 3.93%, partially offset by a 22-basis point increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 0.71%.

    Noninterest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, totaled $778,000, compared to $961,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and $999,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in noninterest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, was primarily due to lower loan related fees, including a $215,000 decline in loan prepayment penalties. As compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the decrease in the current quarter likewise primarily reflects reduced loan fees, in addition to a decrease in BOLI income.

    Noninterest expense totaled $9.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $9.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and $8.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in noninterest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, was primarily due to a $182,000 decline in professional fees due in part to $151,000 in regulatory examination fees and fees paid to human resources recruiters to fill open positions in the quarter ended June 30, 2022. The increase in noninterest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2021, primarily reflects a $561,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits, due primarily to 25 open positions filled last quarter.

    Forward-looking statements:

    When used in this press release and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public stockholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations and forecasts regarding future events many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Actual results may differ, possibly materially from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the following: potential adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession or slowed economic growth caused by increasing political instability from acts of war including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as increasing oil prices and supply chain disruptions, and any governmental or societal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the possibility of new COVID-19 variants; increased competitive pressures; changes in the interest rate environment; legislative and regulatory changes; and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission – that are available on our website at www.ffnwb.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

    Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Press Release and in the other public statements are based upon management's beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for 2022 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect our operating and stock performance.



    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
    (Unaudited)

    AssetsSep 30,
    2022
     Jun 30,
    2022
     Sep 30,
    2021
     Three
    Month
    Change
     One
    Year
    Change
    Cash on hand and in banks$9,684  $9,458  $7,243  2.4% 33.7%
    Interest-earning deposits with banks 15,227   26,194   71,869  (41.9) (78.8)
    Investments available-for-sale, at fair value 221,278   210,826   178,061  5.0  24.3 
    Investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost 2,438   2,432   2,425  0.2  0.5 
    Loans receivable, net of allowance of $14,726, $15,125, and $15,057 respectively 1,143,348   1,119,795   1,101,669  2.1  3.8 
    Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost 7,712   5,512   6,465  39.9  19.3 
    Accrued interest receivable 6,261   5,738   5,681  9.1  10.2 
    Deferred tax assets, net 2,355   1,840   746  28.0  215.7 
    Premises and equipment, net 21,608   21,855   22,628  (1.1) (4.5)
    Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"), net 36,064   35,819   34,994  0.7  3.1 
    Prepaid expenses and other assets 13,605   10,493   2,975  29.7  357.3 
    Right of use asset ("ROU"), net 3,260   3,301   3,838  (1.2) (15.1)
    Goodwill 889   889   889  0.0  0.0 
    Core deposit intangible, net 582   616   719  (5.5) (19.1)
    Total assets$1,484,311  $1,454,768  $1,440,202  2.0  3.1 
              
    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity         
              
    Deposits         
    Noninterest-bearing deposits$118,842  $127,808  $115,311  (7.0) 3.1 
    Interest-bearing deposits 1,030,594   1,051,661   1,026,425  (2.0) 0.4 
    Total deposits 1,149,436   1,179,469   1,141,736  (2.5) 0.7 
    Advances from the FHLB 150,000   95,000   120,000  57.9  25.0 
    Advance payments from borrowers for taxes
    and insurance
     5,033   2,670   5,075  88.5  (0.8)
    Lease liability, net 3,441   3,482   3,994  (1.2) (13.8)
    Accrued interest payable 185   115   206  60.9  (10.2)
    Other liabilities 18,326   17,136   7,735  6.9  136.9 
    Total liabilities 1,326,421   1,297,872   1,278,746  2.2  3.7 
              
    Commitments and contingencies         
              
    Stockholders' Equity         
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding -   -   -  n/a  n/a 
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,127,595 shares at September 30, 2022,
    9,091,533 shares at June 30, 2022, and
    9,483,081 shares at September 30, 2021
     91   91   95  0.0  (4.2)
    Additional paid-in capital 72,295   71,835   78,311  0.6  (7.7)
    Retained earnings 92,928   90,066   84,402  3.2  10.1 
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (7,424)  (4,814)  (223) 54.2  3229.1 
    Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares -   (282)  (1,129) (100.0) (100.0)
    Total stockholders' equity 157,890   156,896   161,456  0.6  (2.2)
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$1,484,311  $1,454,768  $1,440,202  2.0  3.1 



    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Consolidated Income Statements
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
    (Unaudited)

     Quarter Ended    
     Sep 30,
    2022
     Jun 30,
    2022
     Sep 30,
    2021
     Three
    Month
    Change
     One
    Year
    Change
    Interest income         
    Loans, including fees$13,618  $12,273 $12,508 11.0% 8.9%
    Investment securities 1,609   1,156  818 39.2  96.7 
    Interest-earning deposits with banks 125   37  24 237.8  420.8 
    Dividends on FHLB Stock 83   71  84 16.9  (1.2)
    Total interest income 15,435   13,537  13,434 14.0  14.9 
    Interest expense         
    Deposits 2,326   1,398  1,612 66.4  44.3 
    Other borrowings 392   315  431 24.4  (9.0)
    Total interest expense 2,718   1,713  2,043 58.7  33.0 
    Net interest income 12,717   11,824  11,391 7.6  11.6 
    (Recapture of provision) provision for loan losses (400)  -  100 n/a  (500.0)
    Net interest income after (recapture of provision) provision for loan losses 13,117   11,824  11,291 10.9  16.2 
              
    Noninterest income         
    BOLI income 243   251  377 (3.2) (35.5)
    Wealth management revenue 89   104  64 (14.4) 39.1 
    Deposit related fees 245   246  228 (0.4) 7.5 
    Loan related fees 195   354  300 (44.9) (35.0)
    Other 6   6  30 0.0  (80.0)
    Total noninterest income 778   961  999 (19.0) (22.1)
              
    Noninterest expense         
    Salaries and employee benefits 5,417   5,478  4,856 (1.1) 11.6 
    Occupancy and equipment 1,188   1,205  1,116 (1.4) 6.5 
    Professional fees 549   731  502 (24.9) 9.4 
    Data processing 675   692  626 (2.5) 7.8 
    Regulatory assessments 105   90  121 16.7  (13.2)
    Insurance and bond premiums 112   113  106 (0.9) 5.7 
    Marketing 92   96  64 (4.2) 43.8 
    Other general and administrative 876   880  942 (0.5) (7.0)
    Total noninterest expense 9,014   9,285  8,333 (2.9) 8.2 
                    
    Income before federal income tax provision 4,881   3,500  3,957 39.5  23.4 
    Federal income tax provision 935   692  758 35.1  23.4 
    Net income$3,946  $2,808 $3,199 40.5% 23.4%
              
    Basic earnings per share$0.44  $0.31 $0.34    
    Diluted earnings per share$0.43  $0.31 $0.34    
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,981,037   8,982,969  9,314,456    
    Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding 9,068,541   9,085,913  9,446,702    



    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Consolidated Income Statements
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
    (Unaudited)

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,  
      2022   2021  One
    Year
    Change
    Interest income     
    Loans, including fees$37,893  $37,772  0.3%
    Investment securities 3,595   2,420  48.6 
    Interest-earning deposits with banks 181   53  241.5 
    Dividends on FHLB Stock 228   247  (7.7)
    Total interest income 41,897   40,492  3.5 
    Interest expense     
    Deposits 4,982   5,826  (14.5)
    Other borrowings 1,006   1,263  (20.3)
    Total interest expense 5,988   7,089  (15.5)
    Net interest income 35,909   33,403  7.5 
    Recapture of provision for loan losses (900)  (300) 200.0 
    Net interest income after recapture of provision for loan losses 36,809   33,703  9.2 
          
    Noninterest income     
    BOLI income 782   891  (12.2)
    Wealth management revenue 276   391  (29.4)
    Deposit related fees 705   654  7.8 
    Loan related fees 748   714  4.8 
    Other 17   86  (80.2)
    Total noninterest income 2,528   2,736  (7.6)
          
    Noninterest expense     
    Salaries and employee benefits 16,156   14,863  8.7 
    Occupancy and equipment 3,621   3,403  6.4 
    Professional fees 1,732   1,423  21.7 
    Data processing 2,044   2,003  2.0 
    Regulatory assessments 295   356  (17.1)
    Insurance and bond premiums 354   341  3.8 
    Marketing 226   116  94.8 
    Other general and administrative 2,497   2,146  16.4 
    Total noninterest expense 26,925   24,651  9.2 
    Income before federal income tax provision 12,412   11,788  5.3 
    Federal income tax provision 2,398   2,281  5.1 
    Net income$10,014  $9,507  5.3%
          
    Basic earnings per share$1.11  $1.01   
    Diluted earnings per share$1.10  $0.99   
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,983,806   9,412,196   
    Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding 9,088,206   9,514,165   

    The following table presents a breakdown of the loan portfolio (unaudited):

     September 30, 2022 June 30, 2022 September 30, 2021
     Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
     (Dollars in thousands)
    Commercial real estate:           
    Residential:           
    Micro-unit apartments$-  0.0% $-  0.0% $8,220  0.7%
    Other multifamily 132,755  11.4   135,961  12.0   135,586  12.2 
    Total multifamily residential 132,755  11.4   135,961  12.0   143,806  12.9 
                
    Non-residential:           
    Office 84,768  7.3   84,905  7.5   89,622  8.0 
    Retail 137,417  11.9   138,892  12.2   124,439  11.1 
    Mobile home park 23,531  2.0   22,387  2.0   20,838  1.9 
    Hotel / motel 56,715  4.9   57,285  5.0   65,210  5.8 
    Nursing Home 12,452  1.2   12,535  1.1   12,784  1.1 
    Warehouse 19,934  1.7   18,943  1.7   16,999  1.5 
    Storage 34,069  2.9   34,261  3.0   33,163  3.0 
    Other non-residential 44,600  3.9   43,485  3.8   29,301  2.6 
    Total non-residential 413,486  35.8   412,693  36.3   392,356  35.0 
                
    Construction/land:           
    One-to-four family residential 41,606  3.6   34,932  3.1   36,213  3.2 
    Multifamily 15,500  1.3   15,500  1.4   47,549  4.3 
    Commercial -  0.0   -  0.0   6,189  0.6 
    Land development 15,518  1.3   13,915  1.2   11,337  1.0 
    Total construction/land 72,624  6.2   64,347  5.7   101,288  9.1 
                
    One-to-four family residential:           
    Permanent owner occupied 221,212  19.1   212,364  18.7   184,990  16.6 
    Permanent non-owner occupied 228,223  19.7   224,390  19.8   197,686  17.7 
    Total one-to-four family residential 449,435  38.8   436,754  38.5   382,676  34.3 
                
    Business:           
    Aircraft 2,335  0.2   3,130  0.3   6,322  0.6 
    Small Business Administration ("SBA") 520  0.1   532  0.1   862  0.1 
    Paycheck Protection Plan ("PPP") 1,209  0.1   1,528  0.1   22,379  2.0 
    Other business 27,990  2.4   28,502  2.5   25,185  2.2 
    Total business 32,054  2.8   33,692  3.0   54,748  4.9 
                
    Consumer:           
    Classic, collectible and other auto 47,141  4.1   42,009  3.7   32,819  2.9 
    Other consumer 10,478  0.9   9,594  0.8   9,665  0.9 
    Total consumer 57,619  5.0   51,603  4.5   42,484  3.8 
                
    Total loans 1,157,973  100.0%  1,135,050  100.0%  1,117,358  100.0%
    Less:           
    Deferred loan fees, net (101)    130     632   
    ALLL 14,726     15,125     15,057   
    Loans receivable, net$1,143,348    $1,119,795    $1,101,669   
                
    Concentrations of credit:(1)           
    Construction loans as % of total capital 49.1%    45.2%    67.1%  
    Total non-owner occupied commercial
    real estate as % of total capital
     354.6%    360.0%    389.6%  

    (1) Concentrations of credit percentages are for First Financial Northwest Bank only using classifications in accordance with FDIC regulatory guidelines.



    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Key Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

     At or For the Quarter End
     Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30,
      2022   2022   2022   2021   2021 
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Performance Ratios:(1)         
    Return on assets 1.06%  0.79%  0.93%  0.76%  0.88%
    Return on equity 9.88   7.11   8.33   6.79   7.84 
    Dividend payout ratio 27.40   38.51   33.20   36.67   32.35 
    Equity-to-assets ratio 10.64   10.78   11.15   11.07   11.21 
    Tangible equity ratio(2) 10.55   10.69   11.05   10.97   11.11 
    Net interest margin 3.65   3.53   3.43   3.40   3.33 
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 119.08   120.21   119.59   119.08   119.35 
    Efficiency ratio 66.80   72.62   70.96   68.62   67.26 
    Noninterest expense as a percent of average total assets 2.43   2.60   2.46   2.42   2.30 
    Book value per common share$17.30  $17.26  $17.32  $17.30  $17.03 
    Tangible book value per share(2) 17.14   17.09   17.15   17.13   16.86 
              
    Capital Ratios:(3)         
    Tier 1 leverage ratio 10.43%  10.53%  10.51%  10.34%  10.19%
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio 14.24   14.22   14.08   14.23   14.25 
    Tier 1 capital ratio 14.24   14.22   14.08   14.23   14.25 
    Total capital ratio 15.49   15.47   15.33   15.48   15.50 
              
    Asset Quality Ratios:(4)         
    Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans 0.02   0.00   0.02   0.00   0.00 
    Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets 0.02   0.00   0.01   0.00   0.00 
    ALLL as a percent of total loans 1.27   1.33   1.33   1.40   1.35 
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans receivable, net (0.00)  0.00   (0.00)  0.00   (0.01)
              
    Allowance for Loan Losses:         
    ALLL, beginning of the quarter$15,125  $15,159  $15,657  $15,057  $14,878 
    (Recapture of provision) provision (400)  -   (500)  600   100 
    Charge-offs -   (37)  -   -   - 
    Recoveries 1   3   2   -   79 
    ALLL, end of the quarter$14,726  $15,125  $15,159  $15,657  $15,057 

    (1) Performance ratios are calculated on an annualized basis.
    (2) Tangible equity excludes goodwill and core deposit intangible assets. Tangible assets exclude goodwill and other intangible assets. The tangible equity ratio and tangible book value per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this press release for a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP equivalents.
    (3) Capital ratios are for First Financial Northwest Bank only.
    (4) Loans are reported net of undisbursed funds.


    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Key Financial Measures (continued)
    (Unaudited)

     At or For the Quarter Ended
     Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30,
      2022   2022   2022   2021   2021 
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Average Yields and Costs:(1)         
    Yield on loans 4.77%  4.41%  4.36%  4.44%  4.54%
    Yield on investment securities 2.90   2.33   1.96   1.79   1.73 
    Yield on interest-earning deposits 2.02   0.67   0.15   0.13   0.14 
    Yield on FHLB stock 5.56   4.82   5.49   5.89   5.15 
    Yield on interest-earning assets 4.43%  4.04%  3.90%  3.91%  3.93%
              
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits 0.87%  0.55%  0.50%  0.53%  0.63%
    Cost of borrowings 1.48   1.21   1.28   1.33   1.42 
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities 0.93%  0.61%  0.56%  0.61%  0.71%
              
    Cost of total deposits 0.78%  0.49%  0.44%  0.48%  0.56%
    Cost of funds 0.84   0.55   0.51   0.55   0.64 
              
    Average Balances:         
    Loans$1,132,233  $1,117,079  $1,115,428  $1,108,836  $1,094,124 
    Investment securities 220,244   198,819   171,685   178,500   187,261 
    Interest-earning deposits 24,565   22,010   49,857   56,800   68,618 
    FHLB stock 5,923   5,905   5,467   5,726   6,465 
    Total interest-earning assets$1,382,965  $1,343,813  $1,342,437  $1,349,862  $1,356,468 
              
    Interest-bearing deposits$1,056,079  $1,013,080  $1,027,507  $1,032,090  $1,016,540 
    Borrowings 105,272   104,835   95,000   101,522   120,000 
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,161,351   1,117,915   1,122,507   1,133,612   1,136,540 
    Noninterest-bearing deposits 125,561   131,415   122,175   119,142   121,256 
    Total deposits and borrowings$1,286,912  $1,249,330  $1,244,682  $1,252,754  $1,257,796 
              
    Average assets$1,470,816  $1,431,003  $1,424,054  $1,430,199  $1,436,801 
    Average stockholders' equity 158,515   158,349   158,756   160,183   161,892 

    (1) Yields and costs are annualized.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States ("GAAP"), this earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures that include tangible equity, tangible assets, tangible book value per share, and the tangible equity ratio. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and ratios as presented are useful for both investors and management to understand the effects of certain items and provides an alternative view of the Company’s performance over time and in comparison to the Company’s competitors. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation and are not a substitute for other measures in this earnings release that are presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    The following tables provide a reconciliation between the GAAP and non-GAAP measures:

      Quarter Ended
      Sep 30,
    2022
       Jun 30,
    2022
       Mar 31,
    2022
       Dec 31,
    2021
       Sep 30,
    2021
     
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Tangible equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share:                   
    Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)$157,890  $156,896  $157,757  $      157,879  $161,456 
    Less:         
    Goodwill 889   889   889   889   889 
    Core deposit intangible, net 582   616   650   684   719 
    Tangible equity (Non-GAAP)$156,419  $155,391  $156,218  $      156,306  $159,848 
              
    Total assets (GAAP)$1,484,311  $1,454,768  $1,415,054  $1,426,329  $1,440,202 
    Less:         
    Goodwill 889   889   889   889   889 
    Core deposit intangible, net 582   616   650   684   719 
    Tangible assets (Non-GAAP)$1,482,840  $1,453,263  $1,413,515  $   1,424,756  $1,438,594 
              
    Common shares outstanding at period end 9,127,595   9,091,533   9,107,977   9,125,759   9,483,081 
              
    Equity-to-assets ratio (GAAP) 10.64%  10.78%  11.15%  11.07%  11.21%
    Tangible equity ratio (Non-GAAP) 10.55   10.69   11.05   10.97   11.11 
    Book value per common share (GAAP)$17.30  $17.26  $17.32  $      17.30  $17.03 
    Tangible book value per share (Non-GAAP) 17.14   17.09   17.15   17.13   16.86 

    For more information, contact:
    Joseph W. Kiley III, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Rich Jacobson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (425) 255-4400


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